Aston Martin’s Vanquish S, Ultimate GT beats all others, even with its top down.

Road tests and reviews was handed the keys to an Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante, so Jeremy Webb jumped in the driver's seat.

Aston Martin’s Vanquish S takes GTs to a new level and the marque has produced a Super Grand Tourer, which takes on other manufacturers and triumphs over them.  In fact, Aston is calling it the ultimate Grand Tourer, and I would not disagree. It is a Two-door coupe body style with tailgate and 2 sports seats which at a push can take an adult over short distances.

Performance is truly awesome with top speed 201 mph, and 0-60 mph in a blink of an eye at 3.5 secs. 580 BHP is produced from the AM29 V12 engine making it the most powerful GT engine, Aston Martin has ever produced.

The DB11 is a GT but the Vanquish S is another level up. Combining the immense power with the most advanced gearbox AM have manufactured. Touchtronic III transmission delivers the staggering BHP to the wheels, via eight gears, changing in 130 milliseconds. An alloy torque tube with Carbon Fibre propeller shaft Reduces weight which allows the shaft to turn faster, putting more useable power to the wheels. The driver has more control over the gear changing via the intelligent shift by wire system. Paddles on the steering wheel are ergonomically positioned so the driver is always in full control over gear changing and direction.

I drove the Volante version, which is the convertible option and beautiful with top down. It is designed and, engineered to function perfectly. Every external panel is made from aerospace standard carbon-fiber, making Vanquish S immensely light while remaining structurally strong.

 The responsive from the accelerator is immediate and putting your foot down brings a great big push forward and a huge smile from all occupants. The noise that comes with this is music to any petrolhead, with the V12 engine growling harmoniously. A True Euphony of cylinders working hard together. The Vanquish is a real head turner and People stop to look at it. Other drivers put thumbs up or gesture with an ok sign. Very pleasing. It is a beautiful car with curves in all the right places. Rear spoiler perfectly molds into the boot seamlessly.

The test car came with carbon fibre detailing and a mint green inlay. Hundreds of options are available for trim outside and in. Craftsmanship is seen throughout with hand stitched upholstery, marble affect control panel and in all parts of the car. 

The Vanquish hugs the road superbly, so the driver can enter both tight or sweeping corners faster, knowing the car will stick to the route taken. Then on exit, they can put the power on quicker and allow the wheels to push the car faster. The grip is amazing.

Matt Becker, Chief Engineer

“Ride, steering and handling are beautifully attuned to create a dynamic character.”

You feel safe yet entertained when taking corners at speed, so much so that you take longer routes to places so you can use B roads. When you want to just go from A to B and use motorways or A roads, the Vanquish will do this brilliantly too. The suspension can be changed to meet the driving style and road conditions. Hence this is the Ultimate GT, as it will transport you over long distances with ease. Vanquish S delivers with more legroom, boot space and a spacious interior for the ultimate in luxury Grand Touring.

Ideal for Autobahns and more than a match for other manufacturers GT models. Sports Mode can also be engaged for louder engine noise and better performance, than standard drive mode. Buttons on the steering wheel allow you to change suspension and driving mode whilst moving. I would love to take the Vanquish on a European trip, combining Autoroutes and those lovely French National roads, lined with trees. This car is perfect to arrive in St Tropez or Monte Carlo.

To sum up, if you have over 200K and are looking for a car you can use comfortably every day and Then take on a business trip or holiday hundreds of miles away, then seriously test a Vanquish S. It will not disappoint, in fact, it will grab you like an old friend and welcome you.

To quote Dr. Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President & CEO said: “From the moment the original Vanquish was launched it became a modern icon. It propelled Aston Martin from an era of hand-built cars to one where craftsmanship and technology combined to create a new kind of great British GT.

Model-driven was the Volante. Aston Martin’s label for their convertible cars.

Specifications:

Vanquish S Volante is available in both Coupe and Volante and recommended retail price starts for Vanquish S Coupe from £204,999.00 inc. VAT*, Vanquish S Volante from £214,005.00 inc. VAT

0-62 MPH   3.5 secs

Top Speed 201+ MPH

Torque 630 Nm

Power  580 BHP

• Length: 4730 mm / 4745 mm(including number plate plinth)

• Width: 1910 mm (excluding door mirrors) 2067 mm (including door mirrors)

• Height: 1295 mm

• Wheelbase: 2740 mm

• Fuel tank capacity: 78 litres (17.2 Imp. Gal. /20.5 US Gal)

• Weight: 1739 kg (3834lb)

• Weight Distribution: 51%/49% (Front/Rear)

• Two-door volante body style with tailgate and 2 sports seats

• Extruded bonded aluminium and Carbon-fibre VH body structure.

• Carbon-fibre body panels

• Cast-magnesium door structures

• Single bi-xenon headlamps with integrated LED side lights and direction indicators

• LED light blade tail-lamps

• Exposed Carbon fibre splitter, diffuser and sill blade

Find out more about the Vanquish S Volante here   https://global.astonmartin.com/en-gb/models/vanquish-s#section_Performance